{"collection":"philosophy-ethics","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/gutenberg_57030/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/gutenberg_57030","id":"gutenberg_57030","license":"Public Domain (US)","rights_basis":"gutenberg_metadata_copyright_false","source":"gutenberg","source_url":"https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/57030","summary":null,"tags":["Category: Philosophy & Ethics","Category: Psychiatry/Psychology","Physiognomy"],"text":"Produced by Chris Curnow, Chuck Greif and the Online\nDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This\nfile was produced from images generously made available\nby The Internet Archive)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                    [Illustration: T. G. LAVATER.]\n\n\n\n\n                                  THE\n                            POCKET LAVATER,\n                                  OR,\n                      THE SCIENCE OF PHYSIOGNOMY:\n                          TO WHICH IS ADDED,\n                              AN INQUIRY\n                               INTO THE\n         ANALOGY EXISTING BETWEEN BRUTE AND HUMAN PHYSIOGNOMY,\n                      FROM THE ITALIAN OF PORTA.\n\n                Embellished with 44 Copperplate heads.\n\n                              _NEW-YORK_:\n                   Published by Van Winkle & Wiley.\n                                 1817.\n\n\n_Southern District of New-York, ss._\n\nBE IT REMEMBERED, that on the first day of May, in the forty-first year\nof the Independence of the United States of America, VAN WINKLE & WILEY,\nof the said district, have deposited in this office the title of a book,\nthe right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words and figures\nfollowing, to wit:\n\n\u201cThe Pocket Lavater, or, the Science of Physiognomy. To which is added,\nAn Inquiry into the Analogy existing between Brute and Human\nPhysiognomy, from the Italian of Porta. Embellished with 14 Copperplate\nheads.\u201d\n\nIN CONFORMITY to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled, \u201cAn\nact for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps,\ncharts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during\nthe times therein mentioned,\u201d and also, to an act entitled, \u201cAn act,\nsupplementary to an act, entitled, an act for the encouragement of\nlearning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the\nauthors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein\nmentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing,\nengraving and etching historical and other prints.\u201d\n\nTHERON RUDD.\n\nClerk of the Southern District of New-York.\n\n\n\n\nADVERTISEMENT.\n\n\nThe public are here presented with a translation from the French of the\n\u201cPocket Lavater,\u201d a work which has become highly popular in France, and\nwhich has run through successive and repeated editions.\n\nThe attention which the French have, of late, paid to Physiognomy, may\nbe ascribed not only to the infatuating nature, and intrinsic excellence\nof that science, but, also, to adventitious circumstances. France, or,\nmore properly, its metropolis, has, within a few years, become, as it\nwere, the immense stage on which all the varieties of human aspect and\naction have been exhibited. Their painters, at present, employ the\npencil, not on pieces of ancient history or mythological fiction, but in\ndesignating the various national physiognomies, costumes, and\nconformation of body, which Paris now presents, assembled from all\nEurope, and from some parts of Asia. The Physiognomist has there an\nample scope for the study and enlargement of his Science: the Briton\nmelancholy amidst success--the Frenchman happy amidst adversity--the\nphlegmatic German, the choleric Russian, the proud Spaniard, the vain\nPole, and the grave and jealous Turk; these parading her streets and\ngardens, or thronging her Caff\u00e9es, must present a group, whose motley\nand various character mocks both narrative and description. All of these\nare distinguished from each other by a difference of countenance,\nlanguage, dress, habits, customs, and manners; yet the philosopher\nobserves in all these but one being under different modifications.\n\nThis edition is enriched by an ingenious inquiry into the existing\nanalogy between brute and human physiognomy, from the Italian of Porta,\nwhose observations on national character, although written three\ncenturies ago, are found correct at the present day.\n\nThe plates which accompany this work, are designed, and faithfully\nexecuted, after those which accompany the Paris edition.\n\nThe Publishers, in submitting this work to the public, will be\ninfluenced by its success to the publication of the \u201cFemale Lavater,\u201d a\nwork of established merit, and which forms a counterpart to the present\nvolume.\n\n\n\n\nPREFACE.\n\n\nNothing is more common than to hear the study of physiognomy condemned\nas being calculated to mislead men in their judgments of each other, and\nthe impossibility of its being reduced to a science; yet, nothing is\nmore universally prevalent, in all classes of society, than forming\njudgments from the appearances of the face. How often do we hear these\nobservations--\u201cHe has an open countenance\u201d--\u201cHis countenance is\nforbidding\u201d--\u201cThat man has an honest face\u201d--\u201cHis looks are enough for\nme\u201d--\u201cRogue is depicted in his countenance,\u201d \u201cThat bewitching\neye\u201d--\u201cThat stupid face,\u201d and many other expressions of the kind. This\nproves that, although differences of opinion may be entertained\nrespecting physiognomy, all men are, in the true signification of the\nterm, physiognomists. We shall here proceed to point out some of its\nadvantages.\n\nWhether a more certain, more accurate, more extensive, and thereby, a\nmore perfect knowledge of man, be, or be not profitable; whether it be,\nor be not, advantageous to gain a knowledge of internal qualities from\nexternal form and feature, is certainly a question deserving of inquiry.\n\nIt may be asked, Is knowledge, its extension and increase, of\nconsequence to man? This question, it is presumed, can receive but one\nanswer from all unprejudiced persons: for, as certainly as man is\npossessed of corporeal strength, so certain is it that to exercise\nstrength is necessary. As certainly as he has the faculties, power, and\nwill, to love, so certain is it that it is necessary he should love.\nEqually certain is it, that if man has the faculties, power, and will,\nto obtain wisdom, that he should exercise those faculties for the\nattainment of wisdom.\n\nMutual intercourse is the thing of most consequence to mankind, who are\ndestined to live in society. The knowledge of man is the soul of this\nintercourse--that which imparts to it animation, pleasure, and profit.\nThis knowledge is, in some degree, inseparable from, because necessary\nto, all men. And how shall we, with greater ease and certainty, acquire\nthis knowledge than by the aid of physiognomy, understood in its most\nextensive sense, since, in so many of his actions, man is\nincomprehensible?\n\nPhysiognomy unites hearts, and forms the most durable, the most divine\nfriendships; nor can friendship discover a more solid foundation than in\nthe fair outlines and noble features of certain countenances.\n\nPhysiognomy is the very soul of wisdom, since it elevates the mutual\npleasures of intercourse, and whispers to the heart when it is necessary\nto speak--when to be silent; when to forewarn--when to excite; when to\nconsole--when to reprehend.\n\nBut to enumerate all the advantages that are derived from the study of\nphysiognomy would require a volume. We shall, therefore, conclude these\nprefatory remarks by adding testimonies, from the highest authorities,\nin favour of that science, which Lavater, in his essay, introduces in\nthe following manner:\n\n     \u201cTo support the feeble among my readers, and to furnish the strong\n     with such arguments as are most convenient to their disputes with\n     the feeble, I shall produce witnesses, of more or less importance\n     among the learned and wise, in the company of whom I shall deem it\n     an honour to be despised. They will be few, and not conclusive;\n     but, however, may to many appear of consequence, and be unexpected:\n\n     \u201cThe countenance of the wise sheweth wisdom, but the eyes of a fool\n     are in the ends of the earth.\u201d--PROV. xvii. 24.\n\n     \u201cThough the wicked man constrain his countenance, the wise can\n     distinctly discern his purpose.\u201d--PROV. xxi. 29.\n\n     \u201cThe heart of man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good\n     or evil; and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.\u201d--ECCL.\n     xiii. 25.\n\n     \u201cA man may be known by his look; and one that hath understanding,\n     by his countenance, when thou meetest him.\u201d--ECCL. xix. 29.\n\n     \u201cWe know that nothing passes in the soul which does not produce\n     some change in the body; and particularly, that no desire, no act\n     of willing, is exerted by the soul without some corresponding\n     motion, at the same time, taking place in the body. All changes of\n     the soul originate in the soul\u2019s essence, and all changes in the\n     body in the body\u2019s essence. The body\u2019s essence consists in the\n     conformation of its members; therefore, the conformation of the\n     body, according to its form, and the form of its constituent\n     members, must correspond with the essence of the soul. In like\n     manner must the varieties of the mind be displayed in the varieties\n     of the body. Hence, the body must contain something in itself, and\n     in its form, as well as in the form of its parts, by which an\n     opinion may be deduced concerning the native qualities of the mind.\n     I repeat, native qualities; for the question here does not concern\n     those qualities derived from education, or by instructive\n     conversation. Thus considered, the art of judging man by the form\n     of his members, and of his whole body, usually called physiognomy,\n     is well founded.\n\n     \u201cThe lines of the countenance constitute its expression; which\n     expression is always true when the mind is free from constraint:\n     these lines, therefore, must discover what the natural inclinations\n     are, when seen in their true and native position.\u201d--WOLF.\n\n     \u201cWhat is the fairest countenance, disfigured by the hateful vices\n     of lust, anger, falsehood, envy, avarice, pride, and discontent?\n     What can external marks of decorum effect when an ignoble and\n     insignificant mind is depicted in the countenance? The most certain\n     means of rendering the face beautiful, is to beautify the mind, and\n     to purify it from vice. He who would make his countenance\n     intelligent must so first make his mind. He who would impart to the\n     face its most fascinating charms, must store the mind with religion\n     and virtue, which will diffuse over it every expression of sublime\n     content.\u201d--GILLERT.\n\n     \u201cWhere is the hand that shall grasp that which resides beneath the\n     skull of man? Who shall approach the surface of that now tranquil,\n     now tempestuous, abyss! Like as the Deity has ever been adored in\n     sacred groves, so is the Lebanon, the Olympus of man, that seat of\n     the secret power of the divinity, overshadowed. We shudder at\n     contemplating the powers contained in so small a circumference, by\n     which a world may be enlightened, or a world destroyed.\n\n     \u201cThrough those two inlets of soul, the eye and ear, how wonderful\n     are the worlds of light and sound, the words and images that find\n     entrance!\n\n     \u201cHow significant are the descending locks that shade this mountain,\n     this seat of the gods! their luxuriance, their partition, their\n     intermingling!\n\n     \u201cThe head is elevated upon the neck. Olympus resting upon an\n     eminence in which are united freedom and strength, compression and\n     elasticity, descriptive of the present and the future. The neck it\n     is that expresses, not what man was originally, but what he is, by\n     habit or accident, become; whether erect in defence of freedom,\n     stretched forth and curbed in token of patient suffering, rising a\n     Herculean pillar of fortitude, or sinking between the shoulders,\n     the image of degradation; still it is incontestably expressive of\n     character, action, and truth.\n\n     \u201cLet us proceed to the countenance, in which shine forth mind and\n     divinity.\n\n     \u201cOn the front appear light and gloom, joy and anxiety, stupidity,\n     ignorance, and vice. On this brazen table are deeply engraved every\n     combination of sense and soul. I can conceive no spectator to whom\n     the forehead can appear uninteresting. Here all the graces revel,\n     or all the Cyclops thunder! Nature has left it bare, that, by it,\n     the countenance may be enlightened or darkened.\n\n     \u201cAt its lowest extremities, thought appears to be changed into act.\n     The mind here collects the powers of resistance. Here reside the\n     _cornua addita pauperi_. Here headlong obstinacy and wise\n     perseverance take up their fixed abode.\n\n     \u201cBeneath the forehead are its beauteous confines the eyebrows; a\n     rainbow of promise, when benignant; and the bent bow of discord,\n     when enraged; alike descriptive, in each case, of interior feeling.\n\n     \u201cI know not any thing which can give more pleasure, to an accurate\n     observer, than a distinct and perfectly arched eyebrow.\n\n     \u201cThe nose imparts solidity and unity to the whole countenance. It\n     is the mountain that shelters the fair vales beneath. How\n     descriptive of mind and character are its various parts; the\n     insertion, the ridge, the cartilage, the nostrils, through which\n     life is inhaled!\n\n     \u201cThe eyes, considered only as tangible objects, are by their form\n     the windows of the soul, the fountains of light and life. Mere\n     feeling would discover that their size and globular shape are not\n     unmeaning. The eye-bone, whether gradually sunken, or boldly\n     prominent, equally is worthy of attention; as likewise are the\n     temples, whether hollow or smooth. That region of the face which\n     includes the eyebrows, eye, and nose, also includes the chief\n     signs of soul; that is, of will, or mind, in action.\n\n     \u201cThe occult, the noble, the sublime, sense of hearing, has nature\n     placed sideways, and half concealed. Man ought not to listen\n     entirely from motives of complaisance to others, but of information\n     to himself; and, however perfect this organ of sensation may be, it\n     is devoid of ornament; or, rather, delicacy, depth, and expansion,\n     are its only ornaments.\n\n     \u201cI now come to the inferior part of the face, on which nature\n     bestowed a mask for the male; and, in my opinion, not without\n     reason. Here are displayed those marks of sensuality which ought to\n     be hidden. All know how much the upper lip betokens the sensations\n     of taste, desire, appetite, and the enjoyments of love; how much it\n     is curved by pride and anger, drawn thin by cunning, smoothed by\n     benevolence, made flaccid by effeminacy; how love and desire, sighs\n     and kisses, cling to it, by indescribable traits. The under lip is\n     little more than its supporter, the rosy cushion on which the crown\n     of majesty reposes. If the parts of any two bodies can be\n     pronounced to be exactly adapted to each other, such are the lips\n     of man, when the mouth is closed.\n\n     \u201cIt is exceedingly necessary to observe the arrangement of the\n     teeth, and the circular conformation of the cheeks. The chaste and\n     delicate mouth is, perhaps, one of the first recommendations to be\n     met with in the common intercourse of life. Words are the pictures\n     of the mind. We judge of the host by the portal. He holds the\n     flaggon of truth, of love, and endearing friendship.\n\n     \u201cThe chin is formed by the under lip, and the termination of the\n     jaw-bones. If I may speak figuratively, it is the picture of\n     sensuality, in man, according as it is more or less flexible,\n     smooth, or carbuncled: it discovers what his rank is among his\n     fellows. The chin forms the oval of the countenance; and when, as\n     in the antique statues of the Greeks, it is neither pointed nor\n     indented, but smooth, and gradually diminishes, it is then the\n     key-stone of the super-structure. A deformity in the chin is indeed\n     much to be dreaded.\u201d--HERDER.\n\n\n\n\nTHE POCKET LAVATER.\n\n\nThe various thoughts which arise in the mind, the different passions\nwhich agitate the soul of man, are respectively connected with his\nfeatures and the external parts of his frame; and so intimate is their\ncorrespondence, that the expression of the countenance, more rapid than\nspeech, betrays his sentiments and emotions, and gives to his utterance\nenergy and animation. The one was designed as a mirror in which we might\nbehold the other reflected; but the vicious study dissimulation; they\nendeavour to lock their passions and vices within their own breasts,\nand, by a virtuous exterior, to conceal the characteristic expression of\nvillany. In vain, however, does hypocrisy tender them her aid: the\noutward figure and form of the man are forced to a resemblance of the\ninternal model, and the dispositions of the heart are almost invariably\ndepicted on the countenance. These facts were observed and verified, and\nsuch was the origin of physiognomy.\n\nMost persons are daily in the practice of this art, without a knowledge\nof the principles upon which it is founded, but according to such crude\nand uncertain notions as are supplied by custom and general opinion. A\nman\u2019s face displeases them: this is often a sufficient ground for\naversion. Prejudices of this nature ought to be exploded, and it\nbehooves the man of science and real philanthropy to remove them. Such\nwas the great design of Lavater, whose profound researches, guided by\nthe desire of being useful to his species, displayed to him the nature\nof man, and taught him how far the moral character is capable of being\ntraced upon the visage. He has created a new art--he has traversed an\nunbeaten path. Has he not, however, gone too far in attempting to\ndetermine the character of a man by the form of his hands, ears, &c.--in\nassigning to these parts an expression of which they are not\nsusceptible? His opinions are sometimes rash, especially when resting\nupon such foundations; but these are venial faults, and the inquirer\nafter truth will always adopt Lavater as his guide.\n\nThis subject has already been handled by celebrated men of antiquity,\nsuch as Galen, Aristotle, Polemo, Adamantius, and many others; but their\nsystems were bottomed upon very weak grounds; and they assumed as the\nbasis of their opinions, the shape of the limbs, and other vague\ncriteria. Their whole doctrine was like those old empirical recipes, in\nwhich were absurdly compounded a thousand drugs, each destroying the\neffect of the other: it would be just as safe to rely upon such remedies\nfor the cure of a patient, as to trust to the remarks of those authors;\nat whose erroneous ideas we may justly be surprised, since they were\ngenerally endowed with a spirit of observation.\n\nThe ancient physiological system has been superseded by another scheme,\nno less ridiculous and visionary, which rests its decisions upon certain\nprojections and cavities of the cranium, invisible to every eye, and\nexisting nowhere but in the brain of the inventor of this whimsical\ndoctrine.\n\nBut let us return from this digression to a subject of greater utility.\n\nWe shall now proceed to an analysis of the various parts which compose\nthe human visage, and shall endeavour to lay down such positions only as\nare supported by reasons deduced from physical science: there are,\nhowever, physiological phenomena which are inexplicable; yet, having\nbeen confirmed by a cautious and scrutinizing observation, they could\nnot be passed over in silence, without subjecting ourselves to the\nreproach of skepticism.\n\n\n\n\nANALYSIS.\n\n\nOF THE HEAD.\n\nA large head, with a small triangular forehead, denotes a total want of\nunderstanding.\n\nIf the skull be loaded with fat and flesh, this is usually an indication\nof a shallow mind: much more if, at the same time, it be small and\nround; it then denotes stupidity.\n\nWhere the occiput, that is, the back part of the skull, is compressed,\nor, rather, where it exhibits a cavity, it is a sign of a weak mind,\nsometimes stubborn, and always contracted. (See _pl. V_.)\n\n\nOF THE FOREHEAD.\n\nIt is by the shape and size of the forehead that we are to judge of the\nextent of a man\u2019s understanding.\n\nA gently arched forehead, without a single angle, evinces a mild\ndisposition; and often, that the mind is destitute of energy. (See _pl.\nXXIV_.)\n\nA smooth, open forehead, indicates peace of mind; when it is wrinkled\nand furrowed, it announces stormy passions, perturbation of mind, and\nold age: but in the latter instance, the wrinkles are more regular,\nless broken, and do not approach so near the eyes.\n\nThe upper part of the forehead only being wrinkled, gives to the visage\na look of amazement, which sometimes approaches to folly.\n\nPerpendicular wrinkles on the forehead give promise of great energy and\napplication; but the contrary when they are cut transversely by others.\n\nA forehead full of irregular protuberances is characteristic of a\ncholeric temperament. (See _pl. XXII_.)\n\nWhen we meet with horizontal lines at the junction of the nose and\nforehead, we may expect a harsh and unfeeling disposition. (See _pl.\nVIII_.)\n\nDeep perpendicular incisions between the eyebrows, are evidence of\nstrength of mind, provided they be not counterbalanced by other\nindications of a positively contrary import.\n\nWhen the frontal vein appears distinctly in the midst of a forehead,\nopen, uniform, and regularly arched, it announces extraordinary talent.\n\nWhen the forehead is perfectly perpendicular, from the hair to the\neyebrows, it denotes an utter deficiency of understanding. (See _pl.\nV_.)\n\nBut if it be, at the same time, arched toward the summit, it furnishes\nan indication of a profound, reflecting, cool mind. (See _pl. XV_.)\n\nWhen the forehead is rounded and projecting, as is the case with the\ngenerality of infants, it evinces a weak mind; if it project very much,\nthen it betrays the utmost degree of stupidity.\n\nIf it is rounding toward the summit, with a slight projection, and then\ndescending in a straight line, it shows great judgment, an irritable\ndisposition, but a heart of ice; a forehead of this description is\nfrequently characteristic of melancholy.\n\nA narrow forehead is usually the sign of a froward disposition.\n\nIf it incline backward, we may then anticipate rashness and want of\nreflection, especially if there be no very remarkable jutting of the\nbones of the eyes. (See _pl. XXV_.)\n\nA high forehead is a mark of capriciousness.\n\nShould the bone of the eye be projecting and plainly marked, this\ndesignates aptness for mental exertion.\n\n\nOF THE EYEBROWS.\n\nSmall eyebrows always accompany a phlegmatic temperament. (See _pl.\nXIII_.)\n\nIf horizontal, they betoken a masculine and vigorous character. (See\n_pl. VII_.)\n\nWhen they are partly horizontal, and partly curved, they denote energy\nand ingenuity.\n\nIf situated very high, they almost always evince a person incapable of\nreflection.\n\nA wide space between the two eyebrows, designates a quick apprehension,\na calm and tranquil soul.\n\nThe nearer they approach the eyes, the stronger is the assurance they\ngive of solidity and reflection.\n\nAngular, discontinuous eyebrows, mark an inventive genius.\n\nWhen uneven and disordered, they are proofs of great vivacity.\n\nFull, compact, well-disposed, and symmetrical eyebrows, are almost\nalways indicative of solidity of judgment, and of clear sound sense.\n\n\nOF THE EYES.\n\nIt is peculiarly the province of the eyes to declare the emotions of the\nsoul, and to exhibit the workings of sentiment and passion.\n\nBlue eyes are frequently found in persons of phlegmatic character; they\nare often indications of feebleness and effeminacy.\n\nBlack eyes portend energy.\n\nIf gray, they often mark a choleric disposition; in such case, the lids\nare red, drawn back, and sunken. (See _pl. XXII_.)\n\nHazel, or brown eyes, indicate vivacity and affability.\n\nWhen the extremity near the nose is acute, it denotes cunning and\nfinesse.\n\nIf the upper eyelid cross diametrically the ball of the eye, it is a\nsign of subtlety and cunning.\n\n\nOF THE NOSE.\n\nThe nose is not a feature capable of conveying much expression; yet its\nform and relative position, in respect of other parts of the face,\nfurnish some characteristics.\n\nAn aquiline nose designates an imperious temper, and ardent passions.\n(See _pl. XXV_.)\n\nA nose, the ridge of which is large, denotes a mind endowed with\nqualities of a high order. (See _pl. VII_.)\n\nWhen the sides of the nose are flexible, and perfectly disconnected, it\nbetrays a proneness to sensuality.\n\nA nose curved at the root, announces a personage born to command, firm\nin his purposes, and ardent in the pursuit. (See _pl. XI_.)\n\nSmall nostrils disclose timidity of soul.\n\nA sharp pointed nose is characteristic of a passionate man. (See _pl.\nXXII_.)\n\n\nOF THE MOUTH.\n\nThe mouth is the most expressive feature of the face; it is peculiarly\nthe index to the discovery of character, and almost always represents\nthe nature and disposition of the man; so delicate are the shades and\nvarieties of which it is susceptible, that it would be impossible to\ndescribe them with perfect precision.\n\nIf the lips are thick and fleshy, this is a sign of sensuality and of\nslothfulness; it is always a characteristic of a phlegmatic temper. (See\n_pl. XIII_.)\n\nA mouth frequently shut, lips closed, and strongly marked, appertain to\nthe avaricious. (See _pl. XIX_.)\n\nWhen the lower lip projects beyond the upper, it denotes negative\ngoodness. (See _pl. XIV_.)\n\nA closed mouth, concealing the edge of the lips, betokens a person of\napplication, and inclined to regularity and neatness.\n\nBut if, at the same time, it turns up at the extremities, then it\nexpresses affectation, arrogance, vanity, and malignity.\n\nA large interval between the mouth and nose indicates want of prudence.\n\nFull, distinct, and well-proportioned lips, designate a character\nhostile to falsehood, villany, and baseness, but with a propensity to\npleasure.\n\n\nOF THE CHIN.\n\nAn advancing, projecting chin is always a declaration of energy. (See\n_pl. XX_.) When pointed, it often denotes craft. (See _pl. I_.)\n\nShould it, on the other hand, recede, it then indicates a character\ndestitute of firmness.\n\nWhen it is angular, it betokens a sensible mind, and a benevolent heart.\n\nA flat chin announces coolness of temper. (See _pl. XXVII_.)\n\nA smooth, fleshy, double chin, is indicative of sensuality.\n\nA small chin is characteristic of timidity.\n\nA round, dimpled chin, is a sign of good nature.\n\n\nOF THE CHEEKS.\n\nFleshy cheeks denote a proneness to sensuality.\n\nShould we discover in them a certain triangular hollow, it is an\ninfallible sign of envy and jealousy.\n\nLarge and coarse furrows bear the impression of ill nature and\nbrutality.\n\n\nOF THE HAIR.\n\nShort, black, coarse, curly hair, evinces a character somewhat\nirritable, and often shows it to be devoid of sensibility.\n\nBut light, soft hair, is evidence of a contrary disposition, and almost\nalways denotes gentleness.\n\nA striking contrast between the colour of a man\u2019s hair and his eyebrows\nshould excite suspicion.\n\n\nOF THE NECK.\n\nA long neck is declaratory of gentleness.\n\nWhen short and thick, especially if the veins should be very\nconspicuous, it is an indication of a passionate man. (See _pl. XXII_.)\n\n       *       *       *       *       *\n\nWe will now conclude our discussion of the peculiar expression of the\nseveral features, and proceed to connect precept and example, by\nexhibiting a variety of physiognomies, and pointing out the different\nexpressions of character which they display.\n\n[Illustration: 1]\n\n\n\n\nPHYSIOGNOMIES.\n\n\n\n\nNo. I.\n\n\nIn this face we may search in vain for a single expression of frankness;\nthis slightly-projecting chin, when accompanied with small, penetrating\neyes, denotes the absence of sincerity. There is no display of\nbenevolence in this oblique mouth; and avarice reveals itself in these\nclose-locked lips. Combine all these features, and they result in a\ncunning, deceitful, avaricious, and not merely firm, but stubborn, old\nfellow.\n\nSuch a man moves quick, and speaks slowly and circumspectly; for\nsuspicion is the mainspring of his character.\n\n[Illustration: 2]\n\n\n\n\nNo. II.\n\n\nHere is the head of a man well calculated for business; the upper part\nof his head has great elevation, which is an unerring characteristic of\na calculating, deep-thinking mind; his _forte_ lies in those sciences\nwhich demand precision, profundity, and unwearied application; he may be\na good geometrician, but not a poet--never can he rise to sublimity; his\nfeatures, however, do not represent the firmness and severity which are\nso obvious in a subsequent head; (No. XV.;) a sanguine temperament\npredominates, and hints at a propensity for pleasure, so powerful as\noften to withdraw his attention from serious affairs.\n\n[Illustration: 3]\n\n\n\n\nNo. III.\n\n\nWe are struck, at the first glance, with the air of probity which is\nobservable in this face; the mouth expresses, at once, kindness,\ndelicacy, and experience; the chin, gently projecting, and triangular,\nmarks a mind firm without obstinacy, and a benevolent heart. Although\nthe forehead and nose give no assurance of greatness, (for there is too\ndeep a cavity between them,) still they denote understanding: a mouth\nwhich, like this, has a straight aperture, almost concealing the edge\nof the lips, always designates a man of application, and one fond of\nregularity and neatness.\n\n[Illustration: 4]\n\n\n\n\nNo. IV.\n\n\nHere we may behold the characteristics of love of order, and attention\nto method; in this mouth, closely shut, and hiding the edge of the lips,\nare depicted application and regularity. The lower part of the face\nrecedes a little: this is an indication of a man of discretion, modesty,\ngravity, and reserve. He is not pleased with a book unless it is written\nclearly and methodically: he never rises to poetic invention, or\noverleaps the boundaries of scrupulous exactness.\n\nThe hand-writing of a man of this description will be small and regular;\nhis gait leisurely and solemn, and his conversation not brilliant, but\nclear, concise, and sensible.\n\n[Illustration: 5]\n\n\n\n\nNo. V.\n\n\nHere are indelibly depicted a dull and narrow intellect, self-conceit,\nand the grossest ignorance. We may observe that a nose of this form, in\nconnexion with thick lips, is always a prognostic of obstinacy; still\nmore if the forehead be also perpendicular; and, above all, if the\nocciput, instead of being arched, is concave. And here we may apply this\ngeneral rule, _that every remarkable concavity denotes a defect in the\ncorresponding organ_.\n\n[Illustration: 6]\n\n\n\n\nNo. VI.\n\n\nThis countenance has been disfigured by intemperance, as is apparent\nfrom every feature; nature never formed a nose like this; these lips,\nthese wrinkles, are all expressive of insatiable thirst; the glance of\nthe eye has lost its native energy.\n\nThe nose and cheeks of a person addicted to intoxication are almost\nalways red, and the edges of the eyelids are often tinged with the same\ncolour; in general, the skin, especially under the chin, is flaccid and\nwrinkled.\n\n[Illustration: 7]\n\n\n\n\nNo. VII.\n\n\nThe original of this portrait is one who knows how to enjoy life like a\nwise man; if he is not nice in his pleasures, he, at least, does not\ncarry them to excess. The cast of his mind presupposes gentleness,\nrather than harshness--dignity, rather than elevation--firmness of\ncharacter, rather than violence of passion--transient irritation, rather\nthan continued resentment. The eyebrow fully expresses the decree to\nwhich a choleric temperament prevails, and the eye is a compound of the\nmelancholic and phlegmatic characters; the same mixture is again\napparent in the contour of the face from the ear to the chin; but the\nwhole profile, taken in connexion, exhibits a sanguine ground, relieved\nwith a choleric tint. (_Extract from Lavatory._)\n\n[Illustration: 8]\n\n\n\n\nNo. VIII.\n\n\nSternness is engraven upon these features; the wrinkles in the vicinity\nof the eyes, and, particularly, those at the root of the nose, the\nsalient angle formed by the lower part of the cheeks near the mouth--all\nannounce harshness and insensibility; the elevation of the chin\ndesignates a certain degree of energy, and the shape of the forehead\ndenotes coolness and reflection, but it gives no indication of\ndocility.\n\nMelancholy evidently predominates in this physiognomy.\n\n[Illustration: 9]\n\n\n\n\nNo. IX.\n\n\nThis animated eye, this voluptuous mouth, and these eyebrows gently\narched, characterize a sanguine man; an expressive countenance, eyes\noften blue, and always quick, usually indicate this character. He is\neasily moved; slight circumstances agitate him, but he is soon composed.\nAs his features always express his feelings, it is difficult for him to\ndeceive. He is not vindictive, but is susceptible of the soft emotions\nof pity. Love rules him with despotic sway, though he may sometimes be\naccused of inconstancy.\n\n[Illustration: 10]\n\n\n\n\nNo. X.\n\n\nThis forehead indicates both genius and folly--this, at the first\nglance, may appear a contradiction; but the termination of the _frontal\nsinus_ in a point--an almost infallible mark of folly--renders the\nposition less paradoxical.\n\nA man of such a countenance speaks quickly, talks incoherently, and is\noften absent, or in a deep reverie.\n\n[Illustration: 11]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XI.\n\n\nHere we see a countenance that evinces a capacity for great\nachievements--in which patriotism and heroic virtue, worthy of ancient\nRome, are distinguishable; but it must be observed, that although it\npromises fair, still it marks the man to be liable to the failings of\nhumanity, and often subject to be hurried by violence of passion, and\nfalse notions of honour, beyond the bounds of reason.\n\nThis aquiline nose, curved at the root, is indicative of an imperious\nand fiery temper; the cavity at the base of the forehead is not\nsufficiently large, and there is too slight a projection of the bone of\nthe eye;--hence we may predict, that if the person of whom we are\nspeaking takes to improper courses, it will be difficult to restore him\nto the path of rectitude.\n\n[Illustration: 12]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XII.\n\n\nThis is a head in which the observer will recognise a philosopher; but\nhe may search in vain for indications of courage--still less for that\nheroic boldness which is the parent of brilliant achievement; the\noutline of the nose, which is without swell or compass, and the sinking\nat its root, which is too wide and deep, forbid such an inference. There\nis, however, observable in this face, a delicacy of sentiment easy to be\nwounded, and it indicates a mind qualified for profound and philosophic\nresearches.\n\n[Illustration: 13]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XIII.\n\n\nPhlegmatic people are generally distinguishable by the following\nsigns:--the contour of their features is plump and round, but neither\nbold nor prominent; their eyebrows are small and elevated, and their\nlips soft and thick; these characteristics are always accompanied with\nblue and vacant eyes: the head, in persons of this description, is often\nround; and the skin almost white and colourless; their hair is generally\nof a light or chesnut colour, and curls spontaneously; their convex\nforehead proclaims them incapable of energy; and they are very\nfrequently stout, tall, and plump: it would seem as though nature had\nbeen beneficent to the body at the expense of the mind, so sluggishly\ndoes the latter perform its functions; and yet the exertions of the\nformer are equally dull and spiritless.\n\n[Illustration: 14]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XIV.\n\n\nThis broad, square forehead, betokens a strong memory, and a fund of\ngood sense; but its perpendicular form denotes a degree of inflexibility\nwhich may degenerate into obstinacy; the slight projection of the lower\nlip, and the flatness of the chin, are indicative of good nature.\n\nThis is the visage of a prudent, discerning man; of one devoid of poetic\ngenius, and whose writings will never attain to sublimity; but,\npersevering and resolute, he can turn his mind to every subject, and\nmay render himself conspicuous in a deliberative assembly; he is\npeculiarly calculated for profound and laborious investigation.\n\n[Illustration: 15]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XV.\n\n\nThis is the physiognomy of one designed by nature to be a man of\nbusiness; he does not possess the forehead of a poet, nor of one whose\nimpetuous imagination transcends the barriers of cold reason; but its\nelevation and roundness at the summit, are proofs of a sedate, cool, and\nreflecting mind. The nose announces firmness--benevolence is imprinted\non the mouth; but the bold shape of the lips betrays a slight\ndisposition to choler. This chin denotes a man incapable of violating a\ntrust, or betraying the confidence reposed in him, and it would seem as\nif he had been formed to be essentially useful: as a man of business, a\nlawyer, or a merchant, his probity and integrity will always render him\nrespectable.\n\n[Illustration: 16]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XVI.\n\n\nFirmness, judgment, and profundity, are the most striking\ncharacteristics of this countenance. The bony formation of the head\nshows that this person possesses a constancy of mind not easy to be\nshaken: what he has once grasped will never escape him, and he will\nalways advance straight forward to the point. His materials will be\ndisposed with diligence and reflection, but without taste. His forehead,\nhowever, is too concave, which lessens the superiority of his\ncharacter.\n\nThis phisiognomy is peculiarly appropriate to a lawyer or a\nmagistrate.\n\n[Illustration: 17]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XVII.\n\n\nHere is the phisiognomy of one who judges the actions and characters of\nmen with severity; he extends no indulgence to the follies of mankind,\nalthough he yields them his commiseration when bewildered in the mist of\nerror. His scrutinizing look penetrates their thoughts, and his\nintrepidity never suffers him to conceal from them the truth. His mouth\ndisclaims loquacity; on the contrary, he thinks much, and speaks little;\nthe shape of his forehead betokens a man of the highest intellectual\nendowments: his mind, however, is methodical, and reason directs its\noperations. His eyebrows designate a profound thinker, and the irregular\nshape of the face holds forth the promise of originality of genius.\n\n[Illustration: 18]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XVIII.\n\n\nBenevolence and probity are depicted on this countenance, which is not\nthat of a man of the world, nor of one subservient to the punctilios of\netiquette, and the rules of politeness: for the face, bearing, as it\ndoes, the stamp of frankness, seems rather to have the air of a person\nof inferior rank; and its component features exhibit a kind of muscular\nstrength which is rarely discoverable in the wealthy inhabitants of a\ngreat city. This proves that the face of a mechanic may display the\nnoblest qualities as unequivocally as the visage of a man of the most\nexalted rank; and although not susceptible of the same delicacy of\nsentiment, and of that nice attention to others, the deficiency is\nsupplied by open and cordial good nature. His features, collectively,\nproclaim him possessed of intrepidity and calmness.\n\n[Illustration: 19]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XIX.\n\n\nThe following particulars are combined in the hateful character of the\nmiser: Egotistical, hard-hearted, and mistrustful, the slightest loss\nafflicts him; and to confer a benefit upon him, is throwing it away;\ncare is ever brooding in his heart, and every look is fraught with\nsuspicion; his propensity cannot lie concealed; he cannot move, he\ncannot walk a step, without betraying it. Persons of this description\noften have small and sunken eyes; their lips are strongly made out, and\ncompressed against one another.\n\nWe may observe, that they almost always write badly, which is by no\nmeans surprising, since a greater degree of attention would distract\ntheir minds from their grand object--the amassing of wealth.\n\n[Illustration: 20]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XX.\n\n\nHere are indications of extraordinary genius. The features of this face,\nthe outlines of which are neither too angular nor too rigid, decisively\nevince great energy; the nose alone is indicative of an exalted mind:\nthe position of the eyebrows, and the gentle projection and jutting of\nthe chin, are characteristic of resolution; and the perfectly happy\nformation of the forehead displays genius, and designates a character in\nwhich reflection and activity are at once combined: he, whose features\nunite so many marks of greatness, can be no other than a hero.\n\n[Illustration: 21]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXI.\n\n\nThis countenance is thoroughly good, but it is difficult to discover its\nconstitution. The soundest reason, devoid of what may strictly be called\ngenius, a tender sensibility without affectation, wisdom profiting by\nevery lesson of experience, clearness of perception, elevation of\nlanguage, calmness, yet not without vigour when called upon to act, and\nmodesty without pusillanimity, are here all collected. The forehead\nunites the phlegmatic and sanguine; the eye and nose, the choleric and\nsanguine; the mouth, the sanguine and melancholic; the lower part of the\nface, the phlegmatic and sanguine temperaments. (_Extract from\nLavater._)\n\n[Illustration: 22]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXII.\n\n\nThe features which characterise a choleric man are strongly marked; his\neye-brows are almost always thick, the end of his nose acute, his eyes\nvery often gray, and always lively, with red lids, and the ball of the\neye, starting, as it were, from the head, the upper eyelid rising high,\nand almost totally disappearing. His nostrils are wide, which show\nstrong respiration; his forehead is covered with irregular\nprotuberances; his blood-vessels are very perceptible, and the colour\nof his skin varies from yellow to red. The neck of a choleric man is\nalmost always extremely short; and this is the most unequivocal standard\nby which to determine his character.\n\n[Illustration: 23]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXIII.\n\n\nIt would be useless to search in this physiognomy for signs of genius:\nwe can only find patience, coldness, and obstinacy; firmness of\ncharacter difficult to manage; an understanding correct enough, but of\nlittle penetration; benevolence without warmth, and fidelity without\ntenderness; or, rather, that kind of faithful adherence which proceeds\nmore from the mind than the heart.\n\nThe convexity of the forehead presumes patience; but the inconsiderable\nspace between the eye and nose forbids perspicuity.\n\n[Illustration: 24]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXIV.\n\n\nHere is a candid, ingenuous, frank, and honest countenance, without the\nslightest vestige of vice, passion, or intrigue. Great talents are not\nto be expected, for the shape of the forehead, although it does not deny\nintelligence, yet evinces no energy, but is indicative of gentleness;\nthe chin betrays a degree of timidity, and the mouth betokens\ntranquillity of mind, and love of order.\n\n[Illustration: 25]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXV.\n\n\nA receding forehead, eyes black, and full of fire, their shape, the form\nof the upper eyelid, an aquiline nose, and a large and projecting chin,\nare here characteristic of a passionate man. The chin designates an\nenterprising character, the nose denotes an ardent imagination, and\nlively passions, beyond the control of reason, and the forehead affords\nno inference of a reflecting mind.\n\nWhere there is no excavation between the bones of the eyes, or, in\nother words, should they form no observable projection, we may\nanticipate a headstrong and thoughtless character.\n\n[Illustration: 26]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXVI.\n\n\nThis face presents a most hateful character; craft, sordid avarice, and\nhardened villany, have disfigured it, and distorted the eyes and mouth.\nNone of its muscles or features is expressive of benevolence or\nsensibility; the scoundrel might always be recognised in these\nlineaments; however sedulously he may endeavour to hide his soul behind\nthe mask of hypocrisy; however he may attempt to soften his lips into a\nsmile, still his countenance will infallibly belie him.\n\n[Illustration: 27]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXVII.\n\n\nIn the physiognomy of this person we may remark a degree of self-love\nwhich has degenerated into dogmatism, an arrogant disposition, and a\ncertain irritability which years cannot allay, and which is strongly\nmanifested wherever his self-love is touched. Good sense and correct\njudgment are, however, perceivable, and the shape of the forehead is by\nno means incompatible with understanding; but the eyes, the nostrils,\nand the mouth, denote a disputatious and dogmatical character.\n\n[Illustration: 28]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXVIII.\n\n\nIn this countenance we may recognise a rogue; the size and shape of the\nforehead are declaratory, however, of a reflecting, and even of a\nprofound mind. The salient angle of the nose, the projection and\nsharpness of the chin, indicate an astute, enterprising, and crafty\ncharacter. On the whole, these features, collectively, make up a\ncountenance which we cannot regard without repugnance, and in which it\nis impossible to confide.\n\n[Illustration: 29]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXIX.\n\n\nIn this physiognomy we distinguish taste, acuteness and sensibility.\nShould a man of this description become an author, his style will be\nflorid, and he will describe the beauties of nature and the pleasures of\nfriendship; but he will avoid the discussion of scientific subjects, and\nsometimes turn away from philosophical argument as dry and insipid.\n\nThe shape of his lips would seem to indicate a genius for poetry, and\nthe projection of the bone of the eye shows great aptness for mental\nexertion. The chin denotes a character possessed of firmness and energy;\nin fine, we may conclude that a man who bears a physiognomy like this is\nhighly gifted; it distinctly presents the impress of genius.\n\n[Illustration: 30]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXX.\n\n\nA downcast look, longitudinal wrinkles on the cheeks, compressed lips,\nand dull eyes, are all symptomatic of a melancholy man; his mouth is\noften drawn in, his complexion bilious, and his skin dry. It is\nobservable that persons of this character have almost always defective\nteeth; their eyes are seldom blue, but very frequently dark; their hair\nis generally long and sleek, and the mouth is usually kept shut, to\nwhich the badness of their teeth may be attributed.\n\n[Illustration: 31]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXXI.\n\n\nIn this head we may recognise the face of a gay and sprightly man;\nrepartee and epigram are his arms, and he is capable of wielding them\nwith spirit and effect. The mouth, with a little hollow in the middle of\nthe under lip, is almost always an indication of such a character, which\nis also discoverable by the interval between the two eyes.\n\nWe must not confound a person of this description with the man that\nscoffs and jeers; the cheeks of the latter assume a convex form, and\napproach near to the eyes.\n\n[Illustration: 32]\n\n\n\n\nNo. XXXII.\n\n\nHere are collected the features of a character of extraordinary\nmelancholy, in which a discontented and sluggish disposition is\nperceptible. The blue eyes and small eyebrows, and the thickness of the\nlips, mark the intermixture of a phlegmatic tint; the elongation of the\nnose, as well as the forehead, declare no want of judgment, and it is\nthat which particularly characterizes this physiognomy, and gives it its\npensive air. The features of this face, taken in connexion, exhibit a\ntranquil mind, fond of regularity, and especially of quiet, and to which\nthe functions of an ecclesiastic would be most appropriate.\n\n\n\n\nCOMPARISON\n\nOF\n\nMAN WITH OTHER ANIMALS.\n\n\n\n\nCOMPARISON, &c.\n\n\nJohn Baptiste Porta, an Italian, published, about three hundred years\nago, a treatise on Physiognomy, from which the extracts in the following\npages are translated. Although Lavater has ridiculed the system of\nPorta, he is, nevertheless, indebted to him for many of his best ideas\non the subject.\n\nIn this treatise Porta says, that Ptolemy Maternusa, Vitruvius, and\nothers, describe all known nations as follows: viz. \u201cThe Scythians are\ncruel, the Italians noble, the Gauls merry and inconsiderate, the Greeks\nfickle, Africans deceitful, Syrians covetous, Asiatics lecherous,\nSicilians cunning, Spaniards haughty, proud, and vain of their courage,\nEgyptians wise, Babylonians prudent.\u201d\n\nIt was the opinion of Plato, that the variety of manners and\nconstitution observable in the inhabitants of different countries is to\nbe attributed solely to the difference of climate.\n\nAristotle thus writes to Alexander, respecting the character of man.\n\nNature has formed him more perfect than all other animals, and still he\npossesses all the different characters of the latter. He is as bold as\nthe lion, timid as the hare; he can be compared to the cock for his\npride and liberality, to the dog for his avarice; he is harsh and\naustere as the crow, gentle as the turtle-dove, domestic as the pigeon,\nfickle as the roebuck, passionate as the leopard, lazy as the bear,\naffectionate as the elephant, stupid as the ass, vain as the peacock,\nindustrious as the bee, ungovernable as the bull, cross as the mule,\nmute as a fish; his malice renders him equal to the lioness, his cunning\nto the fox, his meekness to the lamb, his love of roving to the kid. The\nreason with which he is endowed renders him worthy of being compared to\nangels; he is given to lust as the swine, is wicked as the owl, useful\nas the horse, and hurtful as the rat. In short, there is no vegetable,\nmineral, or other substance in the world, but what possesses some\nquality that can be referred to man. Adamantius says that we may judge\nof the manners and tempers of all animals by their looks. For instance,\nit is natural for the lion to be strong and easily provoked, which can\nbe perceived by his form and looks. The leopard is pretty and delicate,\nbut is, nevertheless, subject to anger, to lying in ambush, to\ntreachery, and is at once timid and bold, which exactly corresponds with\nhis external appearance; and so it is with all other animals. The bear\nis cruel, deceitful, unsocial and savage; the wild boar has a fearless\nfury, to which he gives himself up; the ox is severe and simple; the\nhorse is proud and desirous of glory; the fox is cunning, and lies in\nwait; the monkey is jocose and dissembling; the sheep is plain and dull;\nthe goat is lazy; the hog is filthy and gluttonous. The same thing holds\ngood with respect to birds and reptiles. If, then, it happens that a man\npossesses a member or feature which resembles that of an animal or bird,\nit is by that resemblance he must be judged. For if his eyes are of a\ntawny colour, and a little concave, you must remember that they are\nsimilar to that of the lion; if very much concave, they denote bad\nmanners, and agree with those of the monkey; if level, they resemble\nthose of the bull; if they seem to start from his head, and are very\nprominent, stupid, and disagreeable to the sight, they have some\nlikeness to those of the ass.\n\nMan, that master-piece, formed by the Creator in his own image, and\nimpressed with the brilliancy of his character--in short, that earthly\ndivinity, was endowed with a strong and loud voice, a large body, and a\nslow gait. With respect to his manners and disposition, he has a\ngenerous and fearless heart, is equitable, candid, desirous of glory,\nand eager of success in all his undertakings.\n\n[Illustration: _Fig. 1._]\n\n[Illustration: _Fig. 2._]\n\n\nFIG. I.\n\nAccording to Aristotle\u2019s opinion on Physiognomy, he whose nose is curved\nfrom the root of the forehead, and strongly marked like the beak of an\neagle, must be a brave man. It was also observed by Polemon and\nAdamantius, that such a nose denotes courage; and Albert, upon the\nauthority of Loxus, conveys the same idea. Noses thus formed are\ncommonly distinguished by the term Aquiline, or Roman, and seem to bear\nthe character of something royal or majestic; for the eagle, whose bill\nis so formed, is the king of birds: from this it may be inferred that\nan aquiline nose denotes a dignified mind, capable of magnificent\nconceptions. Cyrus, according to Xenophon and Plutarch, possessed such a\nnose, and the Persians held them in such high estimation, that they\ngranted royal honours to none but those possessed of aquiline noses, and\nto that custom they still adhere. They loved Cyrus above all other\nprinces, and admired his magnanimity and courage. I have noticed on a\nmedal, in the collection of my brother Porta, the antiquarian, that\nArtaxerxes, the descendant of Cyrus, and a king of Persia, had a very\ncrooked and prominent nose. This prince proved the greatness of his\nmind on many occasions, insomuch that for a trifling present, or some\ninconsiderable service which he had received from some peasants, he not\nonly gave a great quantity of gold and silver, but cities, and even\nwhole provinces, as a compensation. Demetrius, son of a Syrian king, was\nsurnamed Grypus, by the Greeks, on account of his nose, as is mentioned\nby Justin. Dares, the Phrygian, says, that Neoptolemus, son of Achilles,\nhad a nose of the same shape. According to Suetoneus, that of Sergius\nGalba, (who is represented as a very liberal and magnificent prince) was\ncurved in the same manner. Plato relates, in his Eutyphron, that Miletus\nPittheus had a Roman nose with an elevation on the centre, and it was\nhe that displayed such wonderful generosity respecting an accusation to\nwhich he was summoned to appear. George Scanderbeg, whose physiognomy\nindicated a matchless hero, and who stood unrivalled in courage and\nliberality, had a gentle and agreeable eminence on his aquiline nose.\nJunius says, that the great Sforza\u2019s was elevated on its centre, and he\nwas invincible in courage. It is believed that Mahomet, the second\nemperor of the Turks, who was a great warrior, had a nose so curved that\nit seemed to touch his upper lip. John Assimbe, surnamed Ussumcassam,\nhad an aquiline nose, large eyes, and a gay countenance; he was very\nliberal and merciful, possessed an heroic generosity in war, and a great\ndesire of glory. It is certain, that Ishmael Sophy, king of Persia, had\na nose of the above description, with eyes remarkably quick and\nbrilliant, and his manners exhibited the greatest liberality, courage\nand ambition. His greatest delight was to be amid the dangers and\nchances of war, where his invincible courage and noble heroism were\nalways conspicuous and successful. Selim, the son of Bajazet, who for\nliberality could vie with Alexander the Great, had an arched nose.\nLastly, the face of Soliman, the son of Selim, who was a great warrior,\nand beloved by all his subjects for his munificence, had a Roman nose.\n\nWe have here represented the head of the eagle, whose curved bill can be\ncompared to the nose of Sergius Galba, being both of the same shape.\n\n\nFIG. II.\n\nThis head, which was copied from a marble statue in the collection of my\nuncle Adrian Spatafore, represents Vitellius, one of the C\u00e6sars, whose\nenormous head can be compared to that of the owl.\n\nPolemon and Adamantius say, that those whose heads are large, beyond\nproportion, are stupid, and naturally stubborn. Albert says, that the\nhead which is so large as to lean on the shoulder for support, is\ndestitute of sense and wit; and it was Aristotle\u2019s opinion, that when a\nman\u2019s head is unreasonably large, and out of proportion with the rest\nof his body, he is of a dull and sluggish disposition. For my part, I\ncompare them to the ass, as being lazy, timid, and impertinent. They may\nalso be compared to owls, whose heads are very large, and who come from\ntheir holes or resting-places feet foremost; on which account Ovid thus\ndescribes the transformation of Ascalaphus, who was changed into that\nstupid bird by Proserpine.\n\n      \u201cIn Phlegeton\u2019s black stream her hand she dips,\n    Sprinkles his head, and wets his babbling lips;\n    Soon on his face, bedropt with magic dew,\n    A change appear\u2019d, and gaudy feathers grew;\n    A crooked beak the place of nose supplies,\n    Rounder his head, and larger are his eyes;\n    His arm and body waste, but are supplied\n    With yellow pinions, flagging on each side;\n    His nails grow crooked, and are turned to claws,\n    And lazily along his heavy wings he draws;\n    Ill-omened in his form, the unlucky fowl\n    Abhorred by men, and called a screeching owl.\u201d\n\nNo bird has a larger head than the owl, which is a bird of night. If he\nshows himself in the day, all other birds attack him without mercy.\nFalcons that have large heads are not esteemed. Aristotle mentions a\nfish which has a very large head, and is for that reason called\n_cephale_ in greek, and _capito_ in Latin, which signify big-headed. He\nhas a very ridiculous custom of hiding his head when frightened, and\nthen he thinks himself in safety. He is considered as the most silly and\ncowardly of all the finny race. From this we may infer, that those whose\nheads are uncommonly large, are cowardly, rude, and ungovernable;\ndefective in imagination, and capable of understanding little or\nnothing. We often hear the old proverb repeated--\u201cGreat head and little\nwit.\u201d The emperor Vitellius had an uncommon large head, as can be seen\nfrom the pictures which have been made of him, and the deformity no\ndoubt proceeded from his rude and clownish disposition.\n\n[Illustration: _Fig. 3._]\n\n[Illustration: _Fig. 4._]\n\n\nFIG. III.\n\nThis figure represents the striking similitude between man and the ass.\n\nA round and convex forehead, says Aristotle, is a sign of stupidity.\nPolemon and Adamantius say, that the high and round forehead denotes\nstupidity and impudence, the true characteristics of a clown. Albert and\nConciliator were also of opinion that such a forehead denotes dullness.\n\nLong ears are a sign that their possessor is extremely foppish, both in\nlanguage and action; but indicate, also, a good memory. According to\nAristotle, such ears denote a disposition like that of the ass. Polemon\nand Adamantius say, they denote a dull disposition. Albert, having\nborrowed his idea from Loxus, assures us that long ears denote stupidity\nand impudence. Rhases says they are a sign of foolishness and longevity,\nwhich was also the opinion of Pliny.\n\nAccording to the opinion of Rhases and Conciliator, he whose face is\nlong is slow and lazy. Albert says, that such a one is cowardly and\nsensual, slow in his motions, lazy, and sometimes stubborn.\n\nThe under lip, when it advances more than the upper, is a sign that the\npossessor thinks about a great many vain things, and cherishes vulgar\nor unpolished ideas: such was the opinion of Polemon and Adamantius.\nAlbert says it does not express a malicious spirit, but impudence and\nsimplicity. I maintain that it is a mark of imprudence. Albert further\nadds, (from Loxus,) that when it happens in a small mouth, it denotes a\nthirst for praise and honour.\n\nWe have united all these signs in the same head, (Figure 3,) which will\nbe found to correspond exactly with that of the _ass_, to which it may\nbe compared.\n\nAristotle does not approve of those eyes that are very prominent, and\nseem almost to start from the head; and he writes to Alexander, that he\nwhose eyes are similar to those of the ass is destitute of sense. Galen\nwas of a similar opinion. Polemon and Adamantius do not think that such\neyes betray a laudable disposition, and Rhases says, that they denote\none shameless, dull, and loquacious. Pliny asserts that they are the\nsigns by which a dunce may be known.\n\n\nFIG. IV.\n\n_Resemblance between Man and the Monkey._\n\nAristotle disapproved of very small eyes. Galen says that very small\neyes, such as monkeys have, are a sure mark of pusillanimity, which may\nbe readily discovered in the manners of the possessor. Polemon and\nAdamantius represent the miser with such eyes. Turtles have small eyes,\nand are extremely sly and cunning.\n\nHe who has a flat nose, says Aristotle to Alexander, is impetuous; but\nthe ancient translation from that author is incorrect: it should have\nbeen rendered _lascivious_: otherwise, he has contradicted himself; for\nin his treatise on Physiognomy he compares the man with a flat nose to\nthe stag, which has one similar, and this animal is so lustful, that in\nthe time of rutting he becomes crazy. A nose both short and flat, says\nPolemon, denotes a thievish disposition.\n\nSmall ears, according to Aristotle, are common to such men as are\nnaturally dull, and addicted to thieving, as is the monkey. Polemon and\nAdamantius are of opinion, that they are peculiar to the cunning and\nmalignant man; and according to Albert, they generally belong to the\nthief.\n\nAdamantius asserts that a small face designates the sly and flattering\nman; to which Rhases and Conciliator add timorous and covetous.\n\n[Illustration: _Fig. 5._]\n\n[Illustration: _Fig. 6._]\n\n\nFIG. V.\n\nThis eye, and round nose with a great eminence like the bill of a cock,\nare incontestible proofs that the owner, like that spirited little\nanimal, is vigilant, brave, and voluptuous.\n\n\nFIG. VI.\n\nPolemon says that a man whose mouth is very wide is of an uncouth, rude,\nand impious disposition. According to Adamantius, such a mouth denotes\nignorance and greediness. Albert is of opinion that a mouth unreasonably\nextended, points out the cruel, impious, warlike, and gluttonous man.\nPolemon and Adamantius represent the _Wicked Fool_ with a mouth split\nalmost from ear to ear. Sea monsters, and all voracious animals, have\nsuch mouths. I can assure you, says Porta, that my farmer has a mouth\nnot much smaller, and he is stupid as an ass, and greedy as a dog.\n\nThose who have large round eyeballs are generally subject to bad habits.\nBut Adamantius justly observes, that foolish persons have large\neyeballs, and so have all giddy animals, such as the bull, sheep, &c.\n\n\nHANDSOME FACES.\n\nThe beauty of the face denotes good manners, and those amiable mental\nqualities from which true politeness proceeds. If it does not entirely\nsatisfy the eye, it has the power, at least, of attracting attention.\nBeauty is followed by virtue, and repels vice. It is said that Achilles\nhad a handsome visage, and that he was liberal and noble-minded; in war,\ngenerous, quick, and merciful. Patroclus was distinguished for his\nstature, and was strong and prudent. Priam, king of Troy, who was\nendowed with uncommon beauty of face, was highly virtuous. Troilus, who\nwas remarkably handsome, was very generous, and an admirer of virtue.\nHecuba was uncommonly beautiful, just, pious, and possessed of a\nmasculine spirit. Andromache, who was possessed of bright eyes, fair\ncomplexion, and an elegant figure, was modest, wise, gentle, and chaste.\nPolyxena was fair, beautiful, and well proportioned, and surpassed all\nthe other princesses in beauty. According to Dares, the Phrygian, she\nwas elegant and liberal, and thought little of life. Diogenes says that\nPythagoras was so extremely beautiful, that his disciples looked upon\nhim as an Apollo, who came from the northward. He was the first real\nphilosopher in Italy, where he not only professed the greatest sciences,\nbut even invented several. Cyrus was extremely well proportioned, and\nwas a lover of the fine arts and of honour. In the pursuit of glory, he\nwillingly submitted to all manner of fatigue, and encountered the\ngreatest dangers. Xenophon speaks of the virtue and warlike\nachievements of this truly great man. Plutarch relates that Darius was\nthe handsomest and finest looking man of his time, insomuch that\nAlexander could easily distinguish him in battle. Evagoras\u2019s face\nexpressed honesty; he was so noble minded, brave, temperate, wise, and\njust, that some thought him to be a genius under the human form.\nDemocles, on account of his personal beauty, surnamed the beautiful, was\ncourageous and very prodigal. To escape the violence of Demetrius, who\nsurprised him naked, and going to bathe, he leaped into a reservoir of\nboiling water. History mentions a young man, named Galetes, who was\nmuch beloved by Ptolemy, on account of his uncommon beauty, and the\nnoble sentiments of his mind. The latter used to exclaim, \u201cO thou dear\nand amiable youth! thou hast never caused any harm, but the sight of\nthee has afforded pleasure to many.\u201d Scipio Africanus was graced with a\nmatchless beauty, and surpassed all other men in the faculties of his\nmind, in eloquence, benignity, magnificence, and continence. He was well\nacquainted with the sciences and liberal arts; he was a valiant captain,\nand, by his heroic deeds, excelled not only the greatest princes of his\ntime, but those of former ages. During battle he always displayed an\ninvincible courage, and his clemency in victory was never equalled.\nAugustus preserved his beauty through life, and was admired for his\neloquence, and the exercise of the fine and military arts. He was the\nmost fortunate of all the C\u00e6sars. Macrobius testifies, in his writings,\nthat as Publius Syrus was extremely handsome, so the faculties of his\nmind were uncommonly brilliant, which enabled him to give that sharpness\nto his jests for which he was so celebrated. Lucretia, so celebrated\namong the Romans, owed her celebrity to her beauty and chastity.\nGaleatius surpassed all his cotemporaries in virtue and magnificence, as\nwell as in beauty. He established a college, and a library, in which he\nplaced the best professors and the choicest books. Saladin, emperor of\nthe Turks, was handsome and generous. John Pic Mirandula, possessed\ngreat beauty of face, symmetry of shape, and elegance of figure. His\nimagination was brilliant, his behaviour frank, and his eloquence\nirresistible; for which virtues he was justly called the Ph\u0153nix of his\nage.\n\n\nUGLY FACE.\n\nHomer represents Thersites as having a very long head, a deformed face,\nand low stature, to which his manners appears to have corresponded.\nLeteus Metellus was so small, and his face so deformed, that he appeared\nridiculous to all. Cicero reproached Piso for the deformity of his face,\nand the shameful profligacy of his manners. Sallust remarks, that the\npale and deformed visage of Cataline was more like that of a corpse than\nof a living man; he was profane, cruel, and capable of the blackest\ncrimes. Xenocrates had a disagreeable and hideous aspect, for which\nreason he often sacrificed to the graces, that they might give him some\nbeauty; his mind was stupid and dull, and he used to say that \u201che wanted\nspurs to be roused to action.\u201d\n\n\n\n\nINDEX.\n\n\nPAGE.\n\nAdvertisement, 5\n\nPreface, 7\n\nIntroductory remarks, 13\n\nAnalysis of the head, 19\n  of the forehead, 20\n  of the eyebrows, 24\n  of the eyes, 26\n  of the nose, 27\n  of the mouth, 28\n  of the chin, 30\n  of the cheeks, 31\n  of the hair, 32\n  of the neck, 33\n\nPlate No. I. Cunning, deceit, avarice, 35\n  II. Precision, application, 37\n  III. Benevolence, probity, neatness, 39\n  IV. Modesty, gravity, 41\n  V. Self-conceit, ignorance, obstinacy, 43\n  VI. Intemperance, 45\n  VII. Firmness, occasional irritation, compound of\n       phlegmatic and melancholic, 47\n  VIII. Reflection, energy, insensibility, 49\n  IX. Love, sanguinity, 51\n  X. Incoherence, genius, folly, 53\n  XI. Violent passion, heroism, 55\n  XII. Philosophy, timidity, 57\n  XIII. Want of energy, 59\n  XIV. Strong memory, good sense, deliberative, perseverance, 61\n  XV. Integrity, sedateness, choler, 63\n  XVI. Profundity, constancy, 65\n  XVII. Severity, taciturnity, original genius, 67\n  XVIII. Frankness, intrepidity, good nature, 69\n  XIX. Egotism, suspicion, treachery, avarice, corroding care, 71\n  XX. Resolution, activity, genius, 73\n  XXI. Goodness, clearness of perception, 75\n  XXII. Choler, 77\n  XXIII. Dulness, obstinacy, 79\n  XXIV. Candour, frankness, honesty, 81\n  XXV. Enterprise, imagination, uncontrollable passions, 83\n  XXVI. Craft, sordidness, villany, 85\n  XXVII. Self-love, arrogance, irritability, 87\n  XXVIII. Craft, enterprise, 89\n  XXIX. Poetic genius, firmness, 91\n  XXX. Melancholy, 93\n  XXXI. Gayety, sprightliness, 95\n  XXXII. Love of quiet, pensiveness, 97\n\nComparison of Man with other Animals., 101","title":"The Pocket Lavater; or, The Science of Physiognomy: To which is added an inquiry into the analogy existing between brute and human physiognomy","tradition":"philosophy-ethics","translated_text":null,"word_count":10890}